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IFLA French Language Centre Established in the University Library, Dakar, Senegal

PRESS RELEASE
20 August 2007

In May 2007 the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Bibliothèque Centrale Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal signed a cooperation agreement by which BCUCAD received a status of IFLA French Language Centre for Africa. It can now be seen as a permanent representative of IFLA/HQ for the French speaking African community in Africa, as well as the other way around: it is hoped that IFLA/HQ will get better access to French speaking library and information professionals in that continent.

The IFLA French Language Centre has as its duties to promote IFLA, support IFLA’s Africa Section and liaise with IFLA/HQ.

Among the priorities of the Centre are:

Active membership recruitment.
This will be conducted with the help of national or other association members and/or national libraries. Institutions and associations (including specialist and state associations) within the French language community should be actively encouraged to join IFLA – parties will agree on target numbers for the years covered by this agreement.

(Co-) organising regional IFLA events.
These will be co-organised with IFLA/HQ, and/or with IFLA professional units (Sections and Core Activities). This activity includes seeking sources for funding of IFLA projects.

Seek involvement in local or regional professional events to gain support within the French speaking language community, trying to get IFLA "branding" of local or regional events.

Contribute to more effective communication within the French speaking language community and with the IFLA bodies involved. These activities include the publication of newsletters, translations of key IFLA documents and publications.

Representing IFLA in the French speaking African language community, in a pursuit to make IFLA more visible in that community, promoting IFLA goals, principles and core values.

For further information about the Centre and its activities please contact:Ms. Mariétou Diongue Diop
Director
Central Library of Cheikh Anta Diop University
Dakar, Senegal
E-mail: mddiop@ucad.sn